Big Shot at the Stratosphere

Even now I’m not sure how I ended up on the Stratosphere rides – namely the Big Shot at the top of the Stratosphere Tower Hotel Las Vegas. It was a moment of madness but well worth it for the views. Be warned though, the ride that touches the sky is not designed for the feint hearted but for the true thrill seeker. I probably should have taken note of that before I decided to give it a go!

To be quite honest my palms were sweating as we made our way from the observation tower to the Big Shot at the Stratosphere. In fact my friend Chris practically had to drag me up to it. Turns out I had a reason to be a bit nervous as it sends you up 160 feet at 45 mph so that you’re 1,081 feet above the Strip. Talk about giving you a rush though! It really is the ultimate.

The cost of visiting all the great attractions Las Vegas has to offer can really add to the cost of your trip. To help keep costs down we usually get a Las Vegas Power Pass

With it you’ll have access to over 20 attractions, tours, rides etc. The Power Pass is worth more than $500 in admissions and discounts.

The other Stratosphere rides

If I’d have still been feeling brave after that and not a quivering mess there are three other rides that we could have gone on. These are: xScream; Insanity; and SkyJump, all well named!

Choose xScream if you fancy being dangled 27 feet over the edge of the tower.

Or Insanity if you prefer to be spun round at an angle so that you’re facing straight down over downtown Las Vegas.

SkyJump Las Vegas is the newest of the thrill rides before which you’ll put on a jump suit and be given a safety lesson. An elevator will take you to the top of the tower before you’ll plummet 855 feet. You can even get a souvenir DVD of the experience. Sound like fun?

If extreme rides aren't for you it's still worth a visit to the
Stratosphere Tower
Las Vegas to take in the fabulous views from the Observation Deck.